Downtown Marion will come alive with music, dancing, food and colorful traditions on Nov. 7, as the annual Día de Muertos Festival returns to Main Street from noon to 6 p.m.
The family-friendly celebration welcomes everyone to experience Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. Rather than focusing on loss and sadness, the festival celebrates life, cherished memories and the connections that bring communities together.
Festivalgoers can enjoy live music from La Sonora Carolina, salsa dancing with opportunities to join in, food and craft vendors, and free carnival activities.
A dog costume contest adds a playful twist to the festivities, inspired by Mexican traditions surrounding dogs as guides in the afterlife and alebrijes, colorful, fantastical creatures often combining features of different animals. Participants are encouraged to get creative with their canine companions, who must be well-behaved and kept on leashes.
At the heart of the festival is a community altar where visitors are invited to place photographs or meaningful keepsakes honoring loved ones who have died. Now in its ninth year, Marion's Día de Muertos celebration has grown into a gathering that draws visitors from across Western North Carolina and beyond.
More information is available at the event’s Facebook page.
